Response: Given the increase in the number of Americans seeking primary health care due to the Affordable Care Act, combined with current and anticipated physician shortages in the US, there is a growing need to identify other models of primary care delivery to address chronic diseases.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: The main findings of this study are that diabetes and cardiovascular disease [CVD] care quality was comparable between physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) [nurse practitioners and physician assistants], with clinically insignificant differences. Regardless of the provider type, there is a need to improve performance on eligible measures in diabetes or CVD patients.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: These results are reassuring that in a health care system where physician and advanced practice providers work side by side for the delivery of chronic disease, quality of care is comparable between the two provider categories. Therefore, a care delivery model with more expansion of the role for advanced practice providers could address health care access issues in the US without affecting the quality of routine chronic disease care.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Research focused in improving global risk factor control in patients with diabetes and CVD, irrespective of their provider type, is necessary.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: Our results only apply to outpatient routine diabetes and CVD delivery. These results do not apply for urgent medical care as well as inpatient care delivery.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

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